Cotton picker



Oct. 27, 1936. J. D. RUST ET AL COTTON P IGKER Original Filed April 12, 1931 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 bw @w NAME Zia/w a fwm ATTORNEYS d:

Oct. 27, 1936. J. D. RUST ET AL COTTON PICKER Original Filed April 12, 1931 INVENTORS I ATTORNEYS Oct. 27, 1936. J. D. RUST ET AL COTTON PICKER Original Filed April 12, 1931 '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 TMMHMMWMWWW WWWWW i id J BY flzmjm ATTORNEYS Oct. '27, 1936.

J. D. RUST ET AL COTTON PICSKER Original Filed April 12, 1931 Oct. 27', 1936.

RusT ET AL COTTON PICKER I 7 eets-Sheet 5 Original Filed April 12, 1931 J. D.. RUST ET AL COTTON PICKER 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Original Filed April 12, 1931 ATTORNEYS 37% d.

J. D. RUST ET AL Oct. 27, 1936.

COTTON PICKER Original Filed April 12, 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Ill ll mvsm'ons n-rronusvs efoiuz DEM fiZacif'fl Patented Oct. '27, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COTTON PICKER John D. Rust and Mack DL'Rust, Memphis, '.l'enn.

Refiled for abandoned application Serial No. 531,812, April-21, 1931. This application May 1, 1934, Serial No. 123,423. Renewed April 22,

4-: Claims- (Cl. sci-42) A further object is to provide means for effect 5 ing lagging oi the spindles in a machine of this type, whereby 'a simple form of stationary stripping mechanism may be employed which will produce uniformity oi. action throughout this 10 portion of the operation, and bending of the spindles during the stripping operation is avoided.

A further object is to provide for floating movement of groups of spindles in a vertical direction, which movement is effective in conjunction with the spindle retaining and spindle rotating means and producing, in practice, most satisfactory results. I r

A further object is to provide, in a lag spindle machine, means for counteracting the tendency toward whipping movement of the spindles arising from the fact that the outer ends thereof travel at a greater speed when moving around sprocket wheels driving the spindle carrier or conveyor, thanwhen passing along the lsides of the machine. 4

A further object is to provide special mounting means for the slats which carry the spindles, these means including a hinge connection, the elements of the hinge having relative movement about an axis oifset from the main axis of the slat,and one element of the hinge carrying a lug adapted to contact with an element on the slat carrying chain, whereby the swinging movement of the spindle in one direction is prevented,

acquiring excessive. lag whichwould prevent them from being straightened out at the proper time. A further object is to provide means whereby a smooth wire spindle, regarded as the most ef-' iective and most economical type, is moistened in a proper manner, so that excessive moisture or dripping is avoided, but an adequatesupply 50 of water is always available.

A further object is to provide means whereby the spindle carrying member, otherwise referred to as a travelling element or conveyor, is resilient- 1y suspended from the upper portion of the frame 5 of the machine, whereby the weight of the trav- ,but the spindle is free to swing in the other dieling element is carried, to an important extent, by the horizontal tracks, contact with which produces rotation of the-spindles incident to the movement thereof in a horizontal path, the rollers on the ends of the spindles being engaged in groups from opposite directions, as disclosed below.

A further object of the invention is to provide a plurality or smooth-surfaced blades having smooth dofling edges, so that a simple, durable and effective type of dofier is produced for use in conjunction with the stripping mechanism herein disclosed.

with the foregoing and other objects in view, the-invention consists in the novel construction and arrangement of elements hereinafter dis-' closed, it being understood that modifications may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of-the invention.

Whereas in the present drawings the features of novelty over machines disclosed in the aforesaid LettersfPatent are emphasized, it will be understood that a main carrying structure including mounting means and driving means will be employed, as for instance the structure shown in Figure 1 of Patent No. 1,894.198.

In the drawings:-

Figure 1 is a plan view, with the cover plates removed, parts broken away, and parts in section, the view representing a single row machine or a unit of a double row machine, with mounting means and conveyor-driving means omitted.

, Figure 2 is a vertical transverse section on line 2-2 of Figure 1, looking rearwardly.

Figurefi is a fragmentary view in horizontal sectio showing one of the conveyor chains passing around the mounting means toward the forward part of the machine, and showing the position of the spindles during difierent stages of the movement from the stripping side to the picking 40 side.

' Figure 4 is a fragmentary view showing from the inner side the mounting of a plurality of slats, and their relation to a portion of the conveyor chain.

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing from the inner side one element of a slat-mounting hinge, by means of which the individual slats are connected with the chain.

Figure 6 is a perspective view including the other element of this hinge, adapted to be bolted to ii. lug carried by each link of the chain, one such assembly being illustrated, this view also being from the inner side.

Figure 'I is a detail in section on line l! of and means for guiding the spindles as they pass the moistening means, and move toward the stalk guards 98, 98' of Figure 12.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary view in perspective,

' showing the means for conveying water to the v in a plane passing vertically and longitudinally moistening fabric which will have the a sack or receptacle.

Figure 10 is a view showing a modification, in which the moistening is effected through aplurality of valves which may be independently adjusted, ducts leading from each valve to the individual moistening devices or sacks.

Figure 11 is a section on the'line ll--ll of Figure 1.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary view in perspective, showing the elements between which the spindles pass as they move from the picking side tothe stripping side.

Figure 13 is a section on line |3l3 of Figure 1,

form of through the axis. of the rear rotary elements.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary view in horizontal section through the rear axial element mounting the sprocket wheels, toward the rear of the machine, and showing individual elements described below. Figure 15 is a fragmentary view in vertical section and elevation, showing the adjustable mounting of the axial element for the front sprocket wheels.

Figure 16 is a fragmentary view, looking'at the inner side of the vertical relatively movable plates mounting the spindle rotating means.

Figure 17 is a section on line I'I-l'l of Figure 16, and shows the spindle engaging devices on the Figure 18 is a view;on line Ill-i8 of Figure 16, and shows the angle bars carried respectively by the upper and lower longitudinal plates of Figure 16.

Figure 19 is a fragmentary view showing portions of the longitudinal plates of Figure 16, from the outer side, and showing the direction of rotation of the groups of "spindles engaged by the track elements of the type shown in Figure. 17- rotation'of the spindles in opposite directions being thereby effected.

Figure 20 is a view on line 20-20 of Figure 1, and shows the position oi elements constituting stalk guards, facilitating the separation of the cotton from the stalks at the point or points illustrated. v

Figure 21 is a fragmentary view on line 2|--2l of Figure 1, through the suction box there illustrated, the rotary device referred to below ap The main structure includes the elements 40 01611291 side of one of the vertical plates of Figure.

cover l0, and includes a side wall I], a bottom l2, and a wall on the opposite side of the machine, a portion of which, illustrated in Figure 2 is designated 94, this portion swinging outwardly for the purpose indicated below. It is to be assumed that the remainder of the wall on this side of the machine is stationary. The longitudinal extending members l2a. and Hi), in Figures 1 and 2, are

. floor elements intended to bring low cotton bolls in contact with the bottom row of spindles.

The structure further includes the longitudinal, angle'bars illustrated in the several views, which are shown at l4 and I5 in Figure '1 and the transverse angle bars l6, appearing in Figures 1 and 2.

The principal moving element is the conveyor comprising upper and lower chains, of the kind shown in Figure 1 and there designated I1, the conveyor as a wholebeing regarded as the travelling element by means of which the spindles are and the latter merging into an extension 25.

This member 25 carries a pintle 26 adapted to engage the rolled part 21 of part 28 which forms the complementary element of the hinge. This part 28 is to be secured to an offset lug or the like, designated 29, carried by each link of both chains of the, conveyor. The chain includes rollers 3|, and the two chains l1, constituting the upper and lower flexible elements of the conveyor, are carried upon sprocket wheels. 32 and 33 mounted on opposite ends of vertical shafts positioned. respectively near the-rear and forward end portions of the machine.

Sprocket wheels 32 and 33 on vertical shaft 34 are toward the rear of the machine and sprocket wheels 32' and 33 are positioned on vertical shaft 35 at frontof the machine. The shaft 34 is assumed to be driven by a suitable source of power, not shown.

Surrounding shaft 34 is a tubular element 38 (see Figure 13), and within the opposite ends thereof are roller bearings, such as that shown conventionally at 39, these bearings providing for the mountingof shaft 34 at this end of the -machine. A spacing element or elements 4| will be interposed between the tubular element 38, and the wall 42, and a strap or the like 43 extending through this wall, has its end portions secured by. nuts 44, andthe strap passes around the tubular device 38, the rear mounting elements of the conveyor being thereby held in position.

In order to adiustably mount the conveyor supporting devices at the forward portion of the machine, we employ the structure shown in Figure 15, a tubular element 45 being positioned as there illustrated, and surrounding the forward vertical shaft 35. This tubular element 45 is retained in a suitable manner as by the forked devices 46 each having a deflected end portion 41, and each resiliently held by means of a spring 48. Each spring, of the expansion type, encircles a rod 49 carried. The spindle carrying means appear in 3 and a nut 49' retains the outer end of the spring the inner portion thereof bearing on the element 41. The fork of the element 46 abuts the tubular device 45, constituting a shaft housing or the like,

by suitable means designated 45''. Members 45a, Figures 3 and 15, are grease tubes through which-grease is fed to the main bearings for the vertical shaft 35. i v

Tubular element 45 in Figure 15 is' supported vertically by the upper grease tube 45a which 'rests on the bar 46. l The bar 46 passes through a slot in the end wall 46a at the point 46c and is supported vertically thereby. Tubular element 38, Figure 13, is supported both vertically and laterally by the clamping members? and 44 and the spacing members 4|, which hold the tube firmly by friction.

The small circles shown in the cylinder 45, Figures 13 and 15, are intended to indicate in-' ward dents in the tube, being placed there to retain bearing cups mounted in the tube.

The mounting of the spindles in the slats involves an important feature of construction and each spindle 50 carries a roller, or the like, 5| on its inner end,-the spindle being of the smooth finish type, and being mounted as a floating element in the slat. The floating movement is longitudinally of the main of the spindle, and moderate floating movement in a vertical direction is provided hp means of the slat mounting device shown in Figures 5 and 6, the elementsof the hinge there illustrated being relatively mov able. I

with the mounting of the slats is that each slat swings about an axis defined by pintle 25, and

' this is ofiset from the vertical axis of the slat. 1

Each portion 23 of the hinge structure shown in Figures 5 and 6 includes a lug 23', and each lug bears against the element 21 of the adjacent hinge, whereby movementof the spindle *in one direction is limited, but the free movement of the slat in the opposite direction, and of the spindles carried by theslat, is permitted, in order to allow and obtain the particular advantages of a lag spindle, as referred to elsewhere in this application. r 1

The slats are free to pivot only at certain positions. To be more specific, they are free to pivot while travelling around the sprockets '-at front and rear, and while. passing along the stripping side, except during the short space traversed just previous to,'and during the contactv with the spindle reversing means.

In'connection with the floating movement of each spindle, movement of this element inwardly is restricted or prevented by means of the vertical groups, as in certain types of heretofore constructed.

Moreover, an important feature in connection The drive upon the spindles is likewise important, and involves the employment of upper and lower track elements extending longitudinally, the slats being held against movement in one direction by means of longitudinal spacing devices '51 carried upon the structure shown at the right of Figure 11. A plurality of adjacent upper and lower tracks 58 and 59 are assumed to engage the spindles in the manner shown in Figure 19, and these tracks are carried by longitudinally extending elements 60 and 60', mounted "so that they are capable of relative resilient movement, whereby the contact on the rollers 5| of the spindles 50 is effected inthe best possible mar nen'and the weight of the driving-elements by means of which rotation is imparted to the spindles, is to a great extent carried by suspension means of the type shown in'Figur l6, and

including vertical rod 5| retained by'nut 62, and v carrying springs 63 having their opposite ends abutting the angle element 64, and the nut 65 by means of which adjustment is secured. The element 64 is carriedby plate 60 and the latter has secured thereto a vertical angle bar or plurality of angle bars-66, which extends freely over the surface portion of plate 50', whereas the angle bar 68, associated with this particular part of the structure, is secured to the plate 60', and extends freely over the surface of plate 50. Angle brackets 69, 69'-are positioned in opposed relation, on the angle bars 66, 68, near'opposite ends thereof, and a spring 10 has its opposite ends connected respectively with .the angle brackets, whereby the plates-60, 60' are mounted for relative resilient movement.

In Figure 19 the direction of movement of the rollers of adjacent spindles, is shown, this movement having a. predetermined relation to the.

track structure, it being observed that the spindles on the upper portion of Figure 19 rotate clockwise, or to the right, and those in the lower part of this view rotate in the opposite direction.

In Figures 22 to 24 (showing the structure at the point where the direction of rotation of the spindles is reversed, before the spindles pass to the stripping blades I09), "the angle bars 56',

68' are underthe control of springs 10', as described in connection with the structure of; Figure '16. Extending across angle bars 56', 68' is a retaining element 59' passing through stationary bracket 69", and through other stationary means at .the left.

The inner enlarged ends or rollers5| of the i tion. Springs 10' determine the pressure on the inner ends 'of the spindles. j

The spindles Mare-moistened, it beingrecalled that the spindles are of plain'wire and have a .smooth surface, and, the contacting surface is the moistening device of Figure 9 and elsewhere, this" device being-designated l5 and forming a container or sack, having a hem or thelike I5 formed by stitching along the line designated 11, the water inlet pipe |8' passing through the hem and discharging at approximately the point 19, whereby the moisture will flow into the open space adjacent this end of the duct, will pass through the open space between the metallic duct and the line of stitching I1, and will be distributed throughout the body of the fabric..-

j The latter is held in engagement with the spindle like 83 surrounds the rolled portion of the fibrous container, and is itself secured at 84. Freedom of movement and the continuous unobstructed feed of the moisture is provided and no care whatever is required, the moistening device functioning automatically, and the ducts 18 having a continuous supply through pipe 86. Moreover, element 80 prevents the flow of more water than is desired for an effective moistening operation.

Element 15 is a wicking material which receives the water from the duct 18 and transmits this water to the spindles 50 by direct contact with said spindles; while element 80 is made of sheet or strip rubber and serves as a spring element to hold the moistening pads I5 in contact with the spindles 50.

The amount of moisture fed to the spindles depends mainly upon the nature of the material from which the element I5 is made, but is ail'ected also by the pressure of the spring element the amount of moisture fed increasing with increased pressure of spring element 80.

A slight modification of this construction is illustrated in Figure 10, wherein the fibrous containers are fed through ducts or tubes 88, each controlled by means of a'valve 81, and the casings of the valves being in communication with.

a pipe such as 88, whereby moisture is supplied to the individual fibrous containers, and the quantity of moisture is regulated by the aforesaid valves. i

As the spindles 50 pass the moistening means they are guided by the spaced parallel members of Figure 8, these elements having tapered ends 9| so that spindles failing to align at once are guided to proper position in relation to the stalk guards 98, 98' of Figure 12. I

Figure 22 shows the arrangement of the spindles 50 on the stripping side, and the grouping of the track elements on the upper and lower lon-' gitudinalplates is such that engagement between the tracks and spindles, or their rollers, affords a balance not otherwise obtainable, the pressure being from opposite directions. A similar balanced effect is produced on the picking side by the structure shown in Figures 2, 16 and 19.

In Figure 12, a plurality of longitudinal tubular elements 98, 98' support the plates I00, I M, each having a deflected portion I02, and carrying an angular element I03 by means of which a T- shaped structure is provided. Longitudinal strips I04 are to be secured at I05, I 06, and elsewhere, to the plates which they engage. The strips may be forked or include parallel portions passing along opposite sides of individual plates, and the strips also include eyelets 10411 to be secured to vertical element III, mentioned below. A free end I0'I of plate I08 passes below strip I04, and is detachably retained: thereby.

Plates I08 'and I08 are in approximately parallel relation and are of the configuration illustrated in Figure 12, the spindles passing between these plates, a series being assumed, and passing thence along the stripping side of the machine and between the horizontal blades I09. Plate I08 is provided with a curved guiding element IIO, whereby the cotton is prevented from moving beyond a predetermined path, at this stage of the travel of the spindles. It also appears from Figure 12 that the series of plates I08, I08, etc., is mounted by means of vertical angle bars such as III. The-strips I04 extending along the plates, such as elements I00 and IM of Figure 12, pass into the end portions of tubular elements 98, 98', and are outwardly deflected as shown at I08, whereby the associated elements are resiliently held or retained, in an obvious manner.

The plates of series I08 by reason of their close proximity to the path of the spindles contact the cotton wound about the spindles and prevent its rotating as the spindles are rotated reversely.

Plates of series I08 are mounted so that pertions directly adjacent the rear ends of the stripper elements I09, are held in a non-central position between two rows of spindles. The cotton on spindles of the row nearest the plate is thereby held in contact with the plate which prevents its rotation with the spindles during their reversal. The series of plates provides similar means for holding the cotton carried on each individual row of spindles.

On the stripping side of the machine, the spindles 50 pass between the longitudinal blades I09, and when the spindles reach a point where the cotton is to be-discharged, the material is taken care of by the doiling mechanism, the receptacle or box being shown at H6, and a paddle wheel or dofling wheel being designated I II. The shaft of this element II'I carries a. toothed wheel H8, engaged by chain II9 passing'around sprocket wheel I20 which is driven by chain or belt IZI.

A sprocket wheel I22 on the shaft' 35 of the conveyor mechanism serves to drive the element I20 and therefore imparts movement to the dofling mechanism. A shield or guiding device I23,

shown especially in Figure 1 serves an obvious purpose in connection with the movement of the cotton toward the box and the latter is in communication with an air duct or-suction pipe I25 by means of which the cotton is withdrawn and is conveyed to a suitable point of discharge.

The spindles upon leaving the moistening means of Figure 1, pass to the structure shown in Figure 11 wherein the longitudinal plates or strips 51' mount separate slat guiding bars .51 well shown in Figure 11, etc., and which hold the slats in view of the contact with the means shown in Figure 2, and the cotton is wound about the moistened spindles.

The strips 51' serve to keep the spindles from sliding inwardly in their bearings when thrust pressure occurs on the spindles due to entrance of the spindles in the plants. The guide bars 51 prevent the slats (not the spindles) from moving inwardly. It will be noted that the slats are hinged on an offset center and hence cannot swing or pivot on the hinges without moving in- .wardly. The guide bars 51, therefore, in preventing the inward movement of the slats prevent the slats from pivoting or being drawn out of their normal position in the event of side pressure against the spindles carried in the slats.

Figure 11 also shows guide bars 51 employed to prevent the slats being drawn out of normal position in the event of'excessive side pressure.

series of plates or fins 94. These members 94' are carried by an outwardly movable wall 94 normally held inwardly or in vertical position by spring 94", the wall per sebeing supported by elements 940. pivoted at 95 and 96. This provides a yielding construction and serves' the purpose thus loosening the cotton on the spindles and elsewhere indicated. I

The spindles carrying the cotton then pass between the stalk guards including elements I 02, I03 on plates I00, I (representing a. series) and said spindles with the cotton thereon gradually withdraw from the stalks which are held by the guards until separation takes place between the cotton and the stalks. f a

The cotton is then carried between the plates including portions ma, I08, (see Figure 12), and

around to the stripping side of the machine, where the spindles are rotated in .reverse direction by engagement with the longitudinal elements 58a, 58b of Figure 22, and during passage between the plates just referred to, these elements function as heretofore indicated in producing pressure on the cotton and preventing it rotating in a reverse direction with the spindles,

permitting easy removal by the stripping mechanism including blades I09 extending along this side of the machine and gradually inclined outwardly'from left to right as the disclosure appears in Figure 1. This position of the straight stripping blades I09 with reference to the spin dles having the angular position also illustrated, provides positive and effective means for :stripping the cotton fromthe spindles in the machine in which said spindles are caused to lag as indicated. The pivoting which occurs upon entrance to the stripper elements, is caused by contact of the spindles with the stripping blades I09 as the chains and slats move forwardit being understood that the slats are pivoted freely and require very little force to produce this pivoting action at points where no special means are'provided to prevent it.

As the spindles pass around 1 the sprocket wheels, the resulting lag is of the kind shown in Figure 1, or limited because of contact between lugs 23 of the travelling element and the annular flanged elements 23a (see Figure 3) associated with the drive. The laggingis caused by the inertia of the spindles as their outer ends areaccelera'tedin passing to. the short-radius sprocket curves. A whipping action of the spindles taking place in certain machines heretofore Longitudinal employed, is avoided by the present construction.

and the movement of the spindles is uniform except that stage where acceleration is produced due to the relative increase in speed, or the rate of movement of the outer ends of the spindles as they follow a segmental path around the sprocket wheels.

The guide bars 51 of Figure 11 prevent-rearward pivoting of the slats during their travel between the points indicated by line H to b-bin Figure 1.

At the position indicated-by line b-b in Figure 1, the slats pass from the structure shown in Figure 11 to that shown in Figure 2. Any appreciable pivoting of the slats while traveling from line b-b to line 11-41. (that is, while passing through that space. in which the spindles are in contact with their driving means) is prevented primarily by resistancewhich would be ofiered any such movement by the friction rails 58.

It may be clearly seen that such movement would cause the spindle rollers to slide trans-.

versely to their direction of travel; and that any such movement would be resisted, therefore, by the friction between the rollers 5| and the friction rails 58. Thus the slats are held in normal (non-pivotal) position during their travel from aa. to d--d of Figure 1.

.Elements 3Ic (see Figure2) are so located that the portion 23' of the hingeelement,'Figure 5,

will bear against guide elements 3| c in case any pivoting of the slatsoccurs; and serve, therefore, as auxiliary means for preventing pivoting of the slats during their travel from position HID dd, Figure 1. l

During the travel of the slats past the reversing means, some auxiliary guiding means is found to be necessary for holding the slats in normal position. This is due toan oscillating pivotal movement set up in the slats as they pass from the short radius end curves to the straight path along the stripping side of'picking unit.

In the present drawings, themeans shown for this purpose consists of the specially shaped plate 43a, Figure 14. This plate will accomplish the purpose through direct'sliding contact with the spindle rollers 5| as they pass this position.

' Sagging of the chains and slats, at points where not otherwise supported, is prevented by the chain guide elements cm; which elements support the weight of the chains and slats as well 'asguide the chains laterally.

This application is a substitute for our-appllcation Serial No. 531,812, filed April 21, 1931.

What we claim is: 1. In a cotton picker, a travelling element including chains and a plurality of slats, spindles carried by the slats, and means for mounting the slats on the chains, these means comprising pivoted elements forming a hinge assembly wherein 'the pivotal movement is about an axis slightly distant from the verticalaxis of each of the slats, and means determining the various operative positions of said pivoted elements and the slats.

2. In a cotton picker, a travelling element including slat carrying chains and a plurality of slats, spindles carried by the slats, and means for mounting the slats on the chains, these means comprising hinges for individual slats, one element of each hinge including a lug positioned at the end of the slat mounted by said hinged element, the outward pivotal movement of said hinged element and the slat carried thereby, being limited by the engagement of said lug with an element carried on the slat carrying chain,

3. In a cotton picker, a travelling element in-' cluding chains and a plurality of slats, spindles carried by the slats, pressure elements engaging the spindles in groups, from opposite directions, for producing uniform driving engagement with the spindles, and means for mounting the slats on the chains, these means comprising pivoted elements forming a hinge assembly, and means determining the correct relative angular position of saidpivoted elements and the slats.

4. In a cotton picker, a travelling element including chains and a plurality of slats each pivoted with reference to the chains for movement about an axisoffset from the axis of the slot, spindles journalled in said slots, longitudinally extending means and devices thereon for engaging the spindles in groups, and in opposed relation, means for varying the degree of engagement with the spindles, and resilient suspension means connected with the longitudinally "extending means whereby yielding movement is afforded and the longitudinally extending means and the travelling element are supported.

' 5. In a cotton picker having a picking side and a stripping side,'a travelling element including a plurality of hinged slats movable along the picking side and thereafter along the stripping side, spindles carried by the slats, means for controlling lag of the spindles, said controlling means comprising lugs on the pivoting elements of the hinges, and annular flanges engaged by said lugs for'cont'rolling lag of the spindles as to the other side, longitudinal elements'extending along the stripping side, with which the spindles cooperate for stripping the cotton from the spindles, cotton doffing means positioned toward the front of the stripping side of the machine for disposing of cotton removed from the spindles by the longitudinal stripping elements, and means for receiving and conveying the cotton from the dofl'ing means.

7. In a cotton picker having a picking side .and a stripping side and a plant receiving passage at the picking side thereof, a travelling element comprising chains and a plurality .of slats, spindles rotatably mounted-in the slats, spindle guiding elements mounted in combination with horizontally spaced bars which form the inner wall 60 of the plant receiving passage, said guiding elements serving to guide the spindles of each hori zontal row respectively into the proper-horizontal space between said spaced bars.

8. In a cotton picker, a pluralityof spindles, means for mounting the spindles, means for rotating said spindles, and a moistening device for the spindles, this device comprising a fibrous container, means for introducingwater at one end ,portion thereof, means for pr, {icing uniform 7dpressure be ween .the fibrous aterial and the spindles, an meansfor applying moisture to the gspindles without the use of an excessive quantity fluid. 9. In a cotton picker, a plurality of spin es,

75 @peans for mounting .the spindles; means foig rotating said spindles, and a moistening device for the spindles,- this device comprising a fibrous container, means for introducing water at one end portion thereof, detachable resilient means for producing uniform pressure between the fibrous material and the spindles, for moistening the latter without applying an excessive quantity of 10. In a cotton picker, a plurality of spindles, means for mounting the spindles, means for rotating said spindles, and a moistening device for the spindles, this device comprising a fibrous container, means for introducing water at one end portion thereof, means for mounting a plurality of these fibrous containers each in position allel plate members between which the spindles are movable after they pass said longitudinal elements'and travel toward the stripping side, a device projecting from the edges of the plates and between the spindles, for determining the position of the stalks of the cotton plantsand preventing movement of the stalks away'from a normal path as the spindles pass from the picking, side toward the stripping side.

12. A structure comprising the elements of claim 11, and horizontal plate elements detachable with reference to the plate members first named and positioned between adjacent rows of spindlesat the point where they pass 'to the stripping side.

13. A structure comprising the elements of claim 11, and means for effecting detachable resilient gripping action between the plate members and the longitudinal elements.

14..In a cotton picker, having a picking side and a stripping side, a travelling element,spindles carried by said element and each movable about a horizontal axis at the outer side of the r travelling element, means engaging the spindles producing rotation thereof incident to longitudinal movement of the travelling element,

longitudinal guiding means between adjacent rows of spindles on the picking side, longitudinal stripping blades on the stripping side, and horizontally extending guiding means of plate-like construction positioned between the guiding means and the blades, and adjacent to the rear of the machine.

15. A structure comprising the elements of claim 14, in which said guiding means of platelike construction comprises cooperating elements arranged in pairs, approximately in single planes, and are insertable for detachableconnection in pairs from opposite sides of the machine.

16. Ina structure comprising the elements of claim 14, devices carried by the edges of the guiding" means of plate-like construction and 17. In a cotton picker, a plurality of travellingelements pivoted slats carried by said elements,

smooth surfaced spindles having uniform dia'm-' 7 eter rotatably mounted in the slats, a plurality of substantialLv straight parallel stripping blades inclined outwardly from the path of the travelling elements and inclined with reference to'the path of the series of smooth spindles, whereby the blades produce a progressive and unobstruct: ed action, in impartingvthrust to the cottonward the free ends of the spindles, and means for pivotally mounting the slats on the travelling elements; permitting lag movement of the spindies. v V

18. In a cotton picker, a plurality. of travelling elements, pivoted slats carried by said elements,

ing the spindles in groups, and in opposed rela-' smooth surfaced spindles having uniform diameter, mounted in the slats, a plurality of substantially straight parallel stripping members inclined outwardly from the path of the travelling elements and inclined with reference to the path of the series of smooth spindles, means for pivotally mounting the slatson the travelling elements, permitting lag movement of the spindles,

and means for controlling the lag movement, this controlling means including members carried by the travelling elements anddeterminlng the correct angle of the spindles, and including cooperating devices rotatablymounted and movable with the travelling elements.

19. In a cotton picker having a picking side and a stripping side, a plurality of travelling elements, pivoted slats carried by saidelements, smooth surfaced spindles having uniform diameter, rotatably mounted in the slats; guiding means for the spindles on the picking side, and

a plurality of stripping members having parallel stripping edges and being inclined outwardly from the path of the travelling elements.

20.-In a cotton picker, a plurality of travelling elements, pivoted slats carried by said elements, smooth surfaced spindles having uniform diameter rotatably mounted in the slats, a plurality of stripping blades .having'paralleledges and being inclined outwardly from the path of the travelling elements and diverging from that, path a for producing uniform thrust to the cotton toward thev free ends of the spindles, means for positively supporting, the stripping blades near the ends thereof, and means for pivotally mounting the slats on the travelling elements, permitting lag movement of the spindles."

21. In a cotton picker, a plurality of spindles, means for mounting the spindles, means for rotating said spindles, and a moistening devicefor I the spindles, this device comprising a fibrous container, means for introducing water at one end portion thereof, floating detachable resilient means for producing uniform pressurebetween the fibrous material and the spindles, and a device for' retaining the fibrous container and preventing overflow on the spindles from. the means for introducing water.

eluding chains and a plurality of slats each pivoted with reference to the chains for movement about a vertical axis, spindles carried by said slats.-longitudinally extending means for engagtion, means for varying the degree of engagement with the spindles, and adjustable suspension means connected with the longitudinally exter ding means.

23. In a cotton picker, spindle carrying mea is, spindles thereon, means defining a tunnel through which the spindles aremovable incident to the operation of the spindle carrying means, said means defining the tunnel including an outer 22. In a cotton picker, a travelling element in- I lel elements between which the spindles are movable, and means for yieldingly retaining said outer structure in normal vertical position and permitting movement of the pivoted structure under temporary lateral pressure.

24. In a cotton picker, a plurality of travelling elements, pivoted slats carried by ,said elements, smooth surfaced spindles of uniform diameter rotatably mounted in the slats", a plurality of substantially straight parallel stripping members arranged diagonally to the path of movement of the travelling elements for progressively advancing any cotton on the spindles towards the free ends of the same, and rotary means positioned at one extremity of the stripping members for dofli'ng cotton fromthe same.

25. In a cotton picker, a plurality of travelling elements, pivoted slats carried by said elements, smooth surfaced spindles of uniform diameter rotatably mounted in the slats, a plurality of sub- 26. In a cotton picker, a plurality oftravelling elements, pivoted slats carried by said elements,

smooth surfaced spindles of uniform diameter rotatably mounted in the slats, a plurality of substantially straight parallel stripping members arranged diagonally to the path of movement of the travelling elements for progressively advancing any cotton on the spindles towards the free ends of the same, and rotary means positioned at one extremity of the stripping members for doflln cotton from the same and comprising a rotary element having a plurality of smooth surfaced angularly spaced domng blades, the rotary ele- -ment of the dofling means having its axis of rotation vertically arranged.

27. In a cotton picker having a picking side and a stripping side, a plurality of travelling elements, pivoted slats carried by said elements, smooth surfaced spindles of uniform diameter rotatably mounted in the slats, means for rotating said spindles at the pick ng side, a plurality of substantially straight parallel stripping. blades disposed at the strippng side and arranged diagonally to the path of movement of the travelling elements to progressively force any cotton contained on the spindles to the free ends of the latter, means for producing lag of the spindles during the contact with the stripping. blades. and rotary dofilng means mounted adjacent those ends of the strip pingblades beyond the free ends of the spindles.

28. Ina cotton picker having a picking'side and a stripping side, a plurality of travelling elements,

pivoted slats carried by said elements, smooth surfaced spindles of uniform diameter rotatably mounted in the slats, means for rotating said spindles at the picking side, a plurality of substanztially straight parallel stripping blades disposed at the stripping side and arranged diagonally to the path of movement of the travelling elements to progressively force any cotton contained on the spindles to the free ends of the "latter, means for producing lag of the spindles during the contact with the stripping blades, and

rotary dofling means mounted adjacent those ends of the stripping blades beyond the free-ends of means to prevent green bolls being drawn between the stalk guide elements by the cotton loaded spindles as they are withdrawn from the stalk.

30. In a cotton picker having a picking side and a stripping side, a travelling element including a plurality of slats movable along the picking side and thereafter along the stripping side, spindles carried by the slats, means for rotating the spindles at the picking side, stripping means at the stripping side, and rotary dofiing means mounted adjacent the stripping means for dofilng cotton from the stripping means, said rotary dofling means comprising a plurality of smooth'surfaced angularly spaced doifing blades spanning the stripping elements.

31. In a cotton picker, a plurality of spindles,

means for mounting the spindles, means for ro-, v tating said spindles, and a moistening device for the spindles, this device comprising a fibrous wick, means for supplying liquid to said wick, meansfor producing uniform pressure between the wick and the spindles, and means for applying moisture to the spindles without using an excessive quantity of fluid.

32. In a cotton picker, a plurality of travelling elements, pivoted slats carried by said elements, smooth surfaced spindles having uniform diameter, mounted in the slats, guiding means for the spindles on the picking side, plates positioned between adjacent rows of spindles at the point,

where the latter pass from the picking side, and spindle reversing means, said plates being respectively inclined toward the path of the spindles of the respective rows for producing pressure onthe cotton and preventing rotation of the latter with the spindles during the reverse rotation of said spindles, a plurality of substantially straight parallel stripping blades inclined outwardly from the path of.the' travelling elements, and means for pivotally mounting the slats on the travelling elements, permitting lag movement of the spindles.

33. In a cotton picker, a travelling element including chains and a plurality of slats each pivoted with reference to the chains for movement. about a vertical axis, spindles having rollers and carried by said slats, longitudinally extending means for engaging the spindle rollers in groups,

and in opposed relation, means for varying the degree of engagement with, the spindle rollers, and adjustable suspension means connected with the longitudinally extending means.

34. In a cotton picker, a set of spindle-carrying slats, means to convey said slats through an endless path, means hingedly mounting each slat on said conveying means for pivotal movement on an axis offset from the vertical axis of the slats, and means determining the various operative positions of said slats.

35. In a cotton-picker, a set of spindle-carrying. slats, means to convey said slats throughan endless path, means hingedly mounting each slat" on said conveying means for pivotal movement on an axis oflset from the vertical axis of the slats, means determining the various operative positions of said slats, and means for yieldingly supporting said spindle-carrying slats and rotating their spindles.

36. In acottonpicker, a plurality of traveling elements, pivoted slats carried by said elements, smooth surfaced spindles having uniform diameter rotatably mounted in the slats, a plurality of stationary stripping elements forming cracks of uniform width through which the spindles pass .for stripping the cotton from said spindles.

by said elements, means for determining the various operative positions of the slats, smooth surfaced spindles journaled in said slats, tracks for said traveling elements arranged longitudinally of the machine, means for rotating said spindles, means for applying liquid to the spindles, means for stripping cotton from said spindles, and means for conveying cotton from said I stripping means to a suitable receptacle.

39. In a cotton picker having a picking side and stripping side, an endless spindle carrying member including a plurality of traveling elements, pivoted slats. carried by said elements, means for determining the various operative positions. of the slats, smooth surfaced spindles journaled in the slats, means for applying liquid to said spindles, tracks for said endless member arranged longitudinally of the machine, a longitudinally extending passage at the picking side through which passage the plants pass andinto which the spindles are projected as the machine travels along, means for rotating the spindles as they pass through the passage, means to restrain the plants against following the spindles as they leave the passage, and means for stripping the cotton from the spindles.

40. In a cotton picker having a picking side and stripping side, an endless spindle carrying member including a plurality of traveling elements, pivoted slats carried by said elements, means for determining the various operative positions 7 of the slats, spindles journaled in the slats, tracks for said endless membe arranged longitudinally of the machine, said tr ks being outwardly bowed at the picking side, a, longitudinally extending passage at the picking side through which the plants pass and into which the spindles are projected as the machine travels along, means for rotating the spindles'as they pass through the passage, means to restrain the plants against following the spindles as they leave the passage, and means for stripping the cotton from the spindles.

41. In a cotton pick-er h" ving a pic king side and strippingside, an endless s indle carrying member including a plurality "of traveling elements,

pivoted slats carried by said elements neans for determining the various operative positions of the slats, smooth surfaced spindles joifrnaled in .the slats, means for applying liquid to said spindles, tracks for said endless member arranged longitudinally of the machine, said tracks being outwardly bowed at the-picking side, a longitudinally extending passage at the picking side through which the plants pass and into which the spindles are projected as the machine travels Q ing member including a plurality of traveling elemerits, pivoted slats carried by. said traveling elements, means for determining the various operative positions of the slats, said slats having apertures and spindles journaled therein, said spindles having enlargements at one end, the spindles being insertable into said apertures with said enlargemen s serving as stops in one direction, inner retaining means adjacent said enlargements serving as stops in the opposite direction and preventing undue inward movement of said spindles, and means for stripping cotton from said spindles.

43. In a cotton picker having a picking side and stripping-side, an endless spindle carrying member including a plurality of traveling elements, pivoted slats carried by said elements, means for determining the various operative positions or the slats, said slats having apertures and spindles journaled therein, said spindles having enlargementsat one end, the spindles being insertable into said apertures with said enlargements serving as stops in one direction, and inner retaining means adjacent said enlargements serving as stops in the opposite direction and preventing undue inward movement of said spindles, tracks for said endless member arranged longitudinally of 'the machine, .said tracks being outwardly bowed at the picking side, a longitudinally extending passage at the picking side through which the plants pass and into which the spindles are projected as the machine travels along, means for rotating the spindles as they pass through the passage, means to restrain the plants against following the spindles as they leave the passage, and means for stripping cotton from the spindles.

44. In a cotton picker, an endless spindle carrying member including a plurality of traveling elements, pivoted slats carried by said elements, means for determining the various operative positions of the slats, smooth surfaced spindles journaied in the slats, means for applying liquid to said spindles, tracks for said endless member ar-' ranged longitudinally of the'machine, a plurality of stationary stripping elements positioned diagonally across the path of the spindles and forming cracks through which the spindles pass for stripping cotton from said spindles, and means for dofiing cotton from said stripping elements.

45. A cotton picker having a picking side and a stripping side, an endless traveling member, means for imparting movement to said endless member, a plurality of rows of spindles carried by said endless member, tracks for said endless member arranged longitudinally of the machine, said tracks being outwardlybowed at the picking side of the machine, means defining a tunnel through which the spindles are movable incident to the operation of the said endless traveling member, said means defining a tunnel including anouter pivoted structure having mounted thereon parallel elements between which the spindles are movable, and means for yieldingly retaining said outer structure in normal vertical position and permitting movement of the pivoted structure under temporary lateral pressure.

46. In a cotton picker having a picking side and stripping side, an endless spindle carrying member including a plurality of traveling elements, pivoted slats carried by said elements, means for determining the various operative positions of the slats, a plurality of spindles joumaled in the slats, a roller on the inner end of each spindle,

means extending longitudinally for frictionaily' engaging said rollers and imparting rotation thereto incident to the movement of the spindle carrying member, last said means extending longitudinally comprising elements positioned to engage the rollers of difierent groups of spindles in opposed relation for equalizing strains on the movable elements specified.

4'7. In a cotton picker, a plurality of traveling elements, pivoted slats carried by said elements, smooth surfaced spring steel spindles rotatably mounted in the slats, and extending in contin-- uous straight lines from the slats to the tips or the .spindles, means for applying liquid to the spindles, and means for stripping cotton from the spindles.

- JOHN D. RUST. MACK D. RUST. 

